Photography - How A Camera Works

This week we are going to be looking at a film camera and discovering how cameras work. First we will learn how to use it, learn the different pieces and their functions, and then there will be a quiz on labeling and describing camera parts. After this you will go through the process of taking photographs with these cameras and then using chemicals to develop your pictures. You will only be allowed to go through this process if all of the rest of your work is submitted. Below is a list of the terminology you will be responsible for. The link for the Camera Simulator will allow you to play around with the settings on a camera to see how it affects your final image.

Camera Simulator

Camera Parts and Functions

A Short Vocabulary List

Lens - It draws the light into the camera and focuses it on the film plane.

Focus Ring - A ring on the lens of a camera that can be rotated to all users to manually focus the camera.

Shutter - It open and closes to control the length of time light strikes the film.

Shutter Release - The button that releases or "trips" the shutter mechanism.

Film Advance Lever or Knob - It transports the film from one frame to the next on the roll of film.

Aperture - It dilates and contracts to control the diameter of the hole that the light passes though, to let in more or less light. It is controlled by the f-stop ring.

F-Stop Ring - Ring on the lens that controls the diameter of the aperture.

Viewfinder - The "window" through which you look to frame your picture.

Film Rewind Knob - This knob rewinds the film back into the film canister.

Flash Shoe/Foot - This is the point at which the flash or flash cube is mounted or attached.

Shutter Speed Control - This know controls the length of time the shutter remains open. Typical shutter speeds are measured in fractions of a second, such as: 1/30 1/60 and 1/125 of a second.

ASA/ISO or Film Speed - Describes how fast the film can capture an image when exposed to minimal light. Film that is less than 200 is considered slow film.